Cruise control
Known for its night life, the Gold Coast can be as laid back as you want it
IS THERE anything more relaxing than sitting atop a cruise boat on a sunny weekend morning?
On Saturday, I discovered the answer to that question was no, there is nothing better.
Cruising along Gold Coast waterways on a sunny and pleasantly warm winter morning with my husband, we were able to spend an hour taking in the beautiful surroundings starting at Surfers Paradise.
Our view changed from city buildings to million-dollar houses to big open spaces and then ocean.
We were able to see a snapshot of the coast during our time aboard Wyndam Cruise’s the Spirit of Elston.
We were on the first cruise for the morning which offered a range of cakes and hot beverages.
When we arrived back on shore around lunchtime we were feeling peckish and headed into the heart of Surfers Paradise for lunch.
Surfers Paradise is known as a glitzy precinct with a buzzing night life, but the dining scene is growing.
Whether you want burgers and beer, fresh seafood or finer dining, there is something for all tastebuds.
Our first stop had to be Brooklyn Depot. We were eager to try their famous burgers you see so much about on social media.
When we sat down we realised it was about so much more than burgers with offerings of wings, hot dogs, ribs, and desserts.
Although we knew we would be indulging in an all-you-can-eat buffet later that evening we couldn’t help but over-order slightly.
We couldn’t go past the bacon and cheese fries, the mac and cheese balls, the corn cobs, thickshakes and of course the burgers so large they require two hands to eat.
After eating way more than we should have, we headed back to our unit at Mantra Sun City.
The curtains in the living area were pulled right back to reveal floor to celling windows and an amazing view of Surfers Paradise, a combination of city and beachfront.
After wasting a few hours on our balcony it was time for dinner. This is what I was most excited about, the interactive experience at QT’s Bazaar Restaurant.
Bazaar recreates a traditional market place with a unique twist offering a variety of dishes at different stations.
You can watch chefs cook meals made to order or peruse the menu.
There are fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, slow-roasted meats, juicy seafood, tantalising curries, a dumpling station and dessert bar.
I went back for four plates, making sure to try something from every station.
It is hard not to be impressed by the food offering in Surfers Paradise. Although it is known for its glamour aimed at young adults, the progressive dining scene is something to experience.